EP4263100A1

EP4263100A1 - Tool head comprising balancing devices and a clamping element, and machine tool comprising such a tool head

Info

Publication number: EP4263100A1
Application number: EP21839338.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Adrian Marcel HALTER; Theophil HUG; Michel Müller
Original assignee: Reishauer AG
Current assignee: Reishauer AG
Priority date: 2020-12-18
Filing date: 2021-12-07
Publication date: 2023-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2041-12-07
Also published as: US20240051047A1; CH718190A1; JP2024501807A; EP4263100B1; KR20230117381A; MX2023007324A; CN116669887A; WO2022128635A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool head (300) for a gear cutting machine, comprising a first spindle unit (320) having a first spindle shaft (322) and a second spindle unit (330) having a second spindle shaft (332). A tool (340) is axially receivable between the first spindle shaft and the second spindle shaft. Each spindle unit is assigned a balancing device (350, 360). The balancing device radially surrounds the respective spindle shaft and is axially arranged between a tool-side spindle bearing (323, 333) of the corresponding spindle unit and the tool-side end of the corresponding spindle shaft. The tool is axially clamped between both spindle shafts with a tie rod (370) and a clamping element (372).

Description

5 TITLES

TOOL HEAD WITH BALANCING DEVICES AND CLAMPING ELEMENT, AND MACHINE TOOL WITH SUCH TOOL HEAD

TECHNICAL AREA

10

The present invention relates to a tool head. The present invention also relates to a machine tool with such a tool head.

STATE OF THE ART

15

Rotating tools are used in many machine tools. In order to achieve high-quality machining results, it is necessary to balance the tools, i.e. to eliminate imbalances. This is particularly true in gear cutting machines, i.e. in machines for machining gears.

20

A rotating body is said to be unbalanced when the body's axis of rotation does not correspond to one of its main axes of inertia. A distinction is made between static and dynamic imbalance. Both forms usually occur at the same time. A static imbalance occurs when the axis of rotation does not pass through the center of gravity of the rotating body. A static imbalance creates a circular motion of the center of gravity of the body as the body rotates. Dynamic imbalances occur when the axis of rotation is tilted at the center of gravity in relation to the main axes of inertia. Dynamic imbalances cause circular vibrations displaced by 180° at the ends of the axle. The center of gravity of the rotating body remains in the rest position, while the axis wobbles because of the opposite circular movements.

When the axle is fixed by bearings, there is a corresponding load on the bearings.

Imbalances on the tool lead to a reduction in workpiece machining

35 manufacturing accuracy, to a poorer surface quality and to a faster one

wear of the tool. Bearing damage can also occur. target of Balancing is to limit tool vibration and bearing forces to acceptable levels.

Particular challenges arise when tools with small diameters are to be balanced. Tools with small diameters are increasingly being used, especially in gear manufacturing. In order to achieve the desired cutting speed, such tools are usually operated at relatively high speeds. Since the unbalance forces increase proportionally to the square of the speed, very high unbalance forces can occur. At the same time, such tools are often relatively long in relation to their diameter. As a result, bending moments caused by dynamic imbalance have a particularly strong effect.

It is known from the prior art to minimize imbalances on rotating tools by using suitable balancing devices. Balancing devices are often placed inside the tool, as shown in Figure 1 of EP3153277A1. However, such an arrangement has its limits when tools with a small diameter are to be used. The space available inside the tool is then often no longer sufficient to install a sufficiently powerful balancing device.

To solve this problem, EP3153277A1 proposes accommodating the tool between a motor spindle and a non-driven counter-spindle and integrating the balancing devices in the shafts of the motor spindle and the counter-spindle. A disadvantage of this solution is that the balancing devices are relatively far away from the tool and from the bearing points of the motor spindle and the counter-spindle that are close to the tool. Also, there is often not enough space in the shafts of the motor spindle and the counter spindle to install an efficient balancing system.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to specify a tool head that can also be used for tools with a small diameter and enables such tools to be balanced efficiently. This object is achieved by a tool head according to claim 1. Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

A tool head for a machine tool, in particular for a gear cutting machine, is therefore specified. The tool head has: a first spindle unit with a first spindle shaft, which is mounted in the first spindle unit so as to be rotatable about a tool spindle axis; a first balancer associated with the first spindle assembly; a second spindle unit with a second spindle shaft, which is rotatably mounted in the second spindle unit about the tool spindle axis; a second balancing device associated with the second spindle unit.

The first spindle unit and the second spindle unit are arranged coaxially with one another in such a way that a tool can be accommodated axially between the first spindle shaft and the second spindle shaft. According to the invention, the first balancing device surrounds the first spindle shaft radially and is arranged axially between a tool-side spindle bearing of the first spindle unit and a tool-side end of the first spindle shaft, and/or the second balancing device surrounds the second spindle shaft radially and is arranged axially between a tool-side spindle bearing of the second spindle unit and arranged at a tool-side end of the second spindle shaft.

If a tool is accommodated between the first spindle shaft and the second spindle shaft, the first and/or second balancing device is therefore arranged outside the respective spindle shaft axially between a tool-side spindle bearing of the associated spindle unit and the tool. The proposed arrangement also makes it possible to efficiently balance tools with a small diameter. By arranging at least one of the balancing devices around the spindle shafts, preferably both balancing devices, significantly more space is available for the balancing elements than if both balancing devices are arranged inside the tool or inside the spindle shafts. As a result, relatively large imbalances can also be corrected. By arranging the corresponding balancing device axially between a tool-side spindle bearing and the tool, balancing with this balancing device takes place both close to the tool and close to the corresponding bearing points. This enables very precise balancing. The respective spindle unit will often have more than a single spindle bearing. A "tool-side spindle bearing" is then to be understood as that spindle bearing which is arranged closest to the tool within the relevant spindle unit along the tool spindle axis.

In particular, the balancing planes can be arranged as follows relative to the bearing planes of the two spindle units: the first spindle bearing on the tool side defines a first bearing plane perpendicular to the tool spindle axis, and the second spindle bearing on the tool side defines a second bearing plane perpendicular to the tool spindle axis. The first balancing device defines a first balancing plane perpendicular to the tool spindle axis, and the second balancing device defines a second balancing plane perpendicular to the tool spindle axis. It is then preferred if the first balancing plane between the first bearing plane and the second balancing plane (in particular closer to the first bearing plane than to the second balancing plane) and/or the second balancing plane between the second bearing plane and the first balancing plane (in particular closer to the second Storage level than the first balancing level) is arranged.

When a tool is captured between the two spindle shafts, the tool defines a centroid plane perpendicular to the tool spindle axis that contains the tool's centroid. The first balancing plane then preferably lies between the first bearing plane and the focal plane, and/or the second balancing plane preferably lies between the second bearing plane and the focal plane. In this case, it is preferred if the respective balancing plane is closer to the corresponding bearing plane than to the center of gravity plane.

This arrangement of the balancing planes enables efficient two-plane balancing.

In preferred embodiments, the first balancing device and/or the second balancing device is designed as a ring balancing system. Ring balancing systems have been known from the prior art for a long time (see eg DE4337001A1, US5757662A) and enable very precise automatic balancing without the rotation of the spindles having to be stopped. They are available in the market in various designs. Instead, however, another type of balancing system, for example a balancing system with balancing weights that can be moved by an electric motor, or a hydraulic balancing system, can also be used. The balancing devices can be designed to work under NC control. For this purpose, the first and/or second balancing device can have at least one actuator in order to adjust a correction imbalance of the relevant balancing device under NC control.

At least one vibration sensor for detecting vibrations caused by an imbalance can be provided on the tool head. This sensor can be integrated into one of the balancing devices or be designed separately. A control device can also be assigned to the tool head, which is designed to detect signals from the at least one vibration sensor and to control the actuators in the first and/or second balancing device in order to correct imbalances in the first and/or second balancing device depending on the detected to adjust signals. This adjustment can take place automatically in such a way that the imbalance is reduced. The control device is preferably designed to carry out automatic two-level balancing. Corresponding algorithms are well known from the prior art. The control device can be part of a machine control or be a separate unit.

The first and/or second balancing device is preferably arranged outside the housing of the respective spindle unit. In particular, the first spindle unit can have a first housing and the second spindle unit can have a second housing. The first and/or second balancing device is then preferably arranged outside of the first and second housing. Alternatively, the first and second spindle units can have a common spindle housing, and the first and/or second balancing device is then preferably arranged outside of the common spindle housing.

In particular, the first balancing device is preferably arranged axially between the (first or common) spindle housing enclosing the first spindle unit and the tool, and the second balancing device is arranged axially between the (second or common) spindle housing enclosing the second spindle unit and the tool when the tool is received between the first spindle shaft and the second spindle shaft.

The outer contours of the balancing devices are preferably optimized in such a way that the interfering contour when machining workpieces on a workpiece spindle of the machine is minimized. Specifically, it is advantageous if the first and/or second balancing device has an outer contour that tapers in the direction of the tool.

A significantly improved balancing result can be achieved if the two spindle shafts are braced axially with the tool, so that an axial compressive force acts on the tool on both sides. The following design is particularly advantageous for this: The second spindle shaft has at least one axial bore. The tool head correspondingly has at least one pull rod which extends through the corresponding axial bore of the second spindle shaft, the pull rod being connectable at a first end to the first spindle shaft. The pull rod can be connected at its second end to the second spindle shaft in such a way that an axial compressive force can be generated on the tool between the first spindle shaft and the second spindle shaft. For this purpose, the tool also has at least one axial bore, so that the respective pull rod can be passed through the corresponding bore of the tool.

This type of axial bracing creates a unit consisting of the two spindle shafts and the tool that is particularly torsionally and flexurally rigid. The combination of drawbar and clamping element enables a high axial compressive force between the tool and the two spindle shafts. As a result, the said unit acts like a single wave. At the same time, the construction mentioned can be made very compact. As a result, this construction is particularly suitable for tools with a small diameter.

The construction mentioned is also advantageous when there are no balancing devices or the balancing devices are designed differently than described above. In this respect, the present invention also relates to a tool head for a machine tool, in particular for a gear cutting machine, comprising: a first spindle unit with a first spindle shaft, which is mounted in the first spindle unit so that it can rotate about a tool spindle axis; and a second spindle unit with a second spindle shaft, which is mounted in the second spindle unit so that it can rotate about the tool spindle axis, the first spindle unit and the second spindle unit being arranged in such a way that a tool can be received axially between the first spindle shaft and the second spindle shaft in order to Tool to rotate around the tool spindle axis to drive, wherein the second spindle shaft has at least one axial bore, wherein the tool head has at least one pull rod which extends through the axial bore of the second spindle shaft, wherein the pull rod can be connected to the first spindle shaft at a first end, and wherein the pull rod can be connected at its other end to the second spindle shaft in such a way that an axial compressive force can be generated on the tool between the first spindle shaft and the second spindle shaft.

It is advantageous if the first spindle unit has at least one first spindle bearing, the first spindle shaft being mounted in the first spindle bearing so that it can rotate about the tool spindle axis, and the first spindle bearing being designed to absorb both radial and axial forces, and if the second spindle unit correspondingly has a second spindle bearing, the second spindle shaft being mounted in the second spindle bearing so as to be rotatable about the tool spindle axis, and the second spindle bearing being designed to absorb both radial and axial forces.

There is preferably exactly one pull rod which extends through a central axial bore in the second spindle shaft. Accordingly, it is preferred if the tool also has a central axial bore through which the pull rod can be passed.

In a particularly simple embodiment, the pull rod can be connected to the first spindle shaft by being screwed axially into the first spindle shaft. For this purpose, mutually complementary threads (internal and external threads) can be formed on the corresponding end of the pull rod and on the first spindle shaft. However, other types of connection are also conceivable, e.g. a bayonet-type connection. The pull rod can also extend through an axial bore of the first spindle shaft and be provided at its end with a nut, for example, which pulls the first spindle shaft towards the tool.

The pull rod can advantageously be provided at its other, free end with a clamping element which forms an annular bearing surface, the annular bearing surface after the connection of the tension cords with the first spindle shaft on the second spindle shaft abuts and generates an axial compressive force on the second spindle shaft in order to push it in the direction of the first spindle shaft. In the simplest case, the pull rod can be designed for this purpose, for example, as a screw with a screw head. The screw can then be screwed into the first spindle shaft, and the screw head can form the clamping element. The axial clamping force is then generated simply by tightening the screw.

In another, also very simple embodiment, the tie rod is provided at its free end with an external thread onto which a nut can be screwed. In this case, the nut forms the clamping element and the axial compressive force is generated simply by tightening the nut.

However, the tool head preferably has a clamping element that can be releasably connected to the pull rod and generates a compressive force that preferably acts purely axially, without tightening the clamping element generating a torque component about the tool spindle axis. For this purpose, the clamping element has a base element which can be rigidly connected to the pull rod, e.g. via a screw connection, via a bayonet or via a clamping bush. The base element can have a central receiving opening to receive the pull rod, or (if sufficient space is available) a pin which can be fixed in an axial bore of the pull rod. The tensioning element also has an axial pressure element which can be moved, in particular axially displaced, axially relative to the base element in the direction of the second spindle shaft in order to press the second spindle shaft axially in the direction of the first spindle shaft. The axial pressure element can in particular be ring-shaped and surround the central receiving opening or the spigot of the base element; in this case, the thrust element can also be referred to as a "thrust ring". The axial pressure element forms the annular contact surface already mentioned. The tensioning element also has at least one actuating element, the actuating element being movable relative to the base element in order to move the thrust element axially relative to the base element. A pressure screw, for example, which can be screwed into the base element in a longitudinal or transverse direction, can serve as the actuating element. Such clamping elements are known per se from the prior art and are commercially available in many variants.

In some embodiments, the power transmission from the actuating element to the thrust element is purely mechanical. For example, several cylinder screws can be used as actuating elements, which are held axially on the base element and screwed into the Axial pressure element can be screwed in order to move it axially relative to the base element. In other embodiments, one or more threaded pins, which can be adjusted in the base element via a threaded connection in the direction of the axial pressure element, serve as actuating elements. In yet other embodiments, the actuating element acts on a gear, for example, which advances the thrust element. Such tensioning elements are available, for example, under the designations ESB, ESG or ESD from Enemac GmbH, Kleinwallstadt, Germany.

In other embodiments, the force is transmitted hydraulically from the actuating element to the thrust element. For this purpose, the actuating element can be designed, for example, as a pressure screw which, when screwed in, generates pressure in a hydraulic system, with this pressure acting on the axial pressure element. Such clamping elements are available, for example, from Albert Schrem Werkzeugfabrik GmbH, Herbrechtingen, Germany.

Instead of generating the axial compressive force between the pull rod and the second spindle shaft with a clamping element that remains on the pull rod during operation, it is also conceivable to first generate the compressive force with a clamping tool, to fix the connection in the clamped state with a simple nut, and then remove the clamping tool again.

However, the tool can also be braced in a different way than with a continuous pull rod between the first spindle shaft and the second spindle shaft, as long as this results in a firmly braced unit consisting of the two spindle shafts and the tool. Embodiments are conceivable in which a first pull rod can be connected to the tool at a first end, for example can be screwed to the tool or connected via a hollow shank cone. The first pull rod can then extend through an axial bore of the first spindle shaft and can be connected at its second end to the first spindle shaft in such a way that an axial compressive force can be generated between the first spindle shaft and the tool. A second drawbar may be located on the opposite side of the tool. This second pull rod can in turn be connectable to the tool at a first end, for example can be screwed to the tool or connected via a hollow shank cone. The second pull rod can then extend through an axial bore of the second spindle shaft and can be connected at its second end to the second spindle shaft in such a way that an axial compressive force between the second Spindle shaft and the tool can be generated.

In order to accommodate the tool between the spindle shafts and to be able to transmit torque to the tool, it is advantageous if a spindle nose is formed on the first and/or second spindle shaft in such a way that the relevant spindle nose can be connected by a between the tool and the spindle nose acting axial compressive force a non-positive and / or positive connection to the tool can be produced. The connection to the tool is preferably made via a conical connection, particularly preferably via a conical connection with a face contact. For example, the connection can be made using one of the versions A, BF, BM, CF or CM specified in DIN ISO 666:2013-12.

It is advantageous if the two spindle noses are designed so differently that the tool can only be accommodated in a predetermined position between the spindle noses. For example, the diameters of the two spindle noses can be different.

In order to facilitate the tool change, it is advantageous if the second spindle unit can be displaced axially relative to the first spindle unit. If both spindle units are housed in a common spindle housing, this can be achieved in that the spindle bearings for the second spindle shaft are axially displaceable relative to this spindle housing.

The first and/or second spindle unit can have a drive motor which is designed to drive the corresponding spindle shaft to rotate about the tool spindle axis in order to thus drive the tool. In some embodiments, only the first spindle unit has a drive motor, and the second spindle unit forms a passive counter-spindle for the first spindle unit, without its own drive motor. In other embodiments, the second spindle unit also has its own drive motor. The respective drive motor can in particular be a direct drive.

The tool head can also have the tool already mentioned, the tool then being accommodated axially between the first spindle shaft and the second spindle shaft and preferably axially braced. The tool can be a grinding tool, in particular a tool for gear grinding. Concrete the tool can be designed as a grinding worm or profile grinding wheel or can comprise at least one grinding worm and/or at least one profile grinding wheel. The tool can be in one piece (e.g. in the form of a non-dressable grinding worm with a base body coated with hard material that is held directly between the spindle shafts), or it can be in two or more parts (e.g. in the form of a dressable grinding worm or a combination tool with more than one grinding wheel). , wherein the one or more grinding wheels are held on a separate tool holder and the tool holder is accommodated between the spindle shafts).

The present invention also provides a machine tool which has a tool head of the type mentioned above and at least one workpiece spindle for driving a workpiece for rotation about a workpiece axis. The machine tool can be designed as a gear cutting machine, in particular as a gear grinding machine. For this purpose, the machine tool can have a machine controller that is designed (in particular programmed accordingly) to cause the machine to machine a toothing of a workpiece that is held on the at least one workpiece spindle with the tool. In particular, the machine controller can be designed to cause the machine to process the toothing of the workpiece by profile grinding or generating grinding. For this purpose, the machine control can be designed to produce a suitable rolling coupling between the workpiece spindle and the tool spindle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for explanation only and are not to be interpreted as restrictive. In the drawings show:

1 shows an example of a machine tool for hard fine machining of gears by generating grinding in a schematic perspective view, with a tool head according to a first embodiment;

2 shows the tool head of the first embodiment in a schematic perspective view;

3 shows the tool head of the first embodiment in a perspective sectional view; 4 shows the tool head of the first embodiment in a sectional view viewed from the front, counter to the X-direction;

5 shows a schematic block diagram to illustrate the control of the balancing devices in the tool head of the first embodiment;

6 shows a tool head according to a second embodiment in a perspective sectional view;

7 shows a tool head according to a third embodiment in a perspective sectional view, together with a workpiece spindle;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of area D in FIG. 7;

9 shows a clamping nut in a central longitudinal section; and

FIG. 10 shows the clamping nut of FIG. 9 in a perspective view.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

definitions

Gear cutting machine: A machine designed to produce or machine gears on workpieces, in particular internal or external gears on gear wheels. For example, this can be a fine-machining machine with which pre-geared workpieces are machined, in particular a hard fine-machining machine with which pre-geared workpieces are machined after hardening. A gear cutting machine has a machine control that is programmed in such a way that it can control automatic machining of the gear.

Generating: A type of gear machining in which a tool rolls on a workpiece, creating a cutting motion. Various generating methods are known, with a distinction being made between methods with a geometrically undefined cutting edge such as generating grinding or generating honing and methods with a geometrically defined cutting edge such as hobbing, skiving, shaving or shaping.

Generating grinding: The generating grinding process is a continuous machining process with a geometrically undefined cutting edge for the production of axisymmetric periodic structures, in which a grinding wheel with a helically profiled outer contour ("grinding worm") is used as the tool. Tool and workpiece are picked up on rotary spindles. The rolling movement typical of the process is realized by coupling the rotary movements of the tool and workpiece around the rotary axes. A cutting movement is generated by this rolling movement and an axial feed movement of the tool or the workpiece along the workpiece axis.

Spindle unit: In machine tool construction, a rotating shaft on which a tool or workpiece can be clamped is usually referred to as a "spindle". However, an assembly which, in addition to the rotatable shaft, also includes the associated spindle bearing for the rotatable mounting of the shaft and the associated housing, is often referred to as a “spindle”. In this document, the term "spindle" is used in this sense. The shaft alone is referred to as a "spindle shaft". An assembly which, in addition to the spindle shaft, also includes at least the associated spindle bearings is referred to as a "spindle unit". A “spindle unit” can have its own housing, but it can also be accommodated in a common housing together with another spindle unit.

Tool head: In the present document, a “tool head” refers to an assembly that is designed to hold a machining tool and to drive it to rotate. In particular, the tool head can be mounted on a swivel body and/or one or more slides in order to align and position the tool relative to a workpiece.

Ring balancing system: A ring balancing system has two balancing rings arranged next to one another, which surround a shaft and are carried along by it. Each balancing ring has a specified additional imbalance of the same size. The orientation of the balancing rings around the axis of rotation of the shaft is adjustable. If the additional imbalances of the two balancing rings are diametrically opposed, their effects cancel each other out. If both additional imbalances have the same angular position, the maximum balancing capacity is achieved. By setting to other angles, the resulting correction imbalance can be freely adjusted in size and direction within these limits.

Structure of an exemplary machine tool

In FIG. 1, a machine tool for hard fine machining of gears by generating grinding is shown as an example. The machine has a machine bed 100 on which a tool carrier 200 is arranged to be displaceable along a horizontal infeed direction X. A Z slide 210 is arranged on the tool carrier 200 so that it can be displaced along a vertical direction Z. The Z carriage 210 carries a pivot body 220 which can be pivoted about a horizontal pivot axis A relative to the Z carriage 210 . The pivot axis A runs parallel to the infeed direction X. A tool head 300, shown only symbolically, is arranged on the pivot body 220 and is described in more detail below.

A swiveling workpiece carrier in the form of a turret 400 is also arranged on the machine bed 100 . The turret 400 is pivotable about a vertical pivot axis C3 between a plurality of pivot positions. It carries two workpiece spindles 500, on each of which a workpiece 510 can be clamped. Each of the workpiece spindles 500 can be driven to rotate about a workpiece axis. The workpiece axis of the visible workpiece spindle 500 is denoted by C2 in FIG. 1 . The workpiece axis of the workpiece spindle not visible in FIG. 1 is referred to as the C1 axis. The two workpiece spindles are located on the turret 400 in diametrically opposite positions (i.e. offset by 180° with respect to the pivot axis C3). In this way, one of the two workpiece spindles can be loaded and unloaded while a workpiece is being machined on the other workpiece spindle. As a result, undesired non-productive times are largely avoided. Such a machine concept is known, for example, from WO 00/035621 A1.

The machine has a machine controller 700 , which is shown only symbolically, and which includes a number of control modules 710 and an operator panel 720 . Each of the control modules 710 controls a machine axis and/or receives signals from sensors.

Tool head according to a first embodiment

A tool head according to a first embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. The tool head includes a base 310 rigidly connected to the pivot body 220 . A linear guide 311 is formed on the base 310 . A first spindle unit 320 and a second spindle unit 330 are displaceably guided along a shift direction Y on the linear guide 311 . For this purpose, the spindle units each have corresponding guide shoes 326, 336. The shift direction Y runs perpendicular to the X-axis and at an angle to the Z-axis that can be adjusted around the A-axis. Between Spindle units 320, 330 hold a tool 340.

The second spindle unit 320 and the first spindle unit 330 can be coupled to each other after the tool 340 has been received between them. In the coupled state, they can be moved together along the shift direction Y with a shift drive (not shown in the drawing) and a ball screw drive 312 in order to change the tool area that engages with a workpiece 510 on the C1 axis along the tool axis.

Structure of the spindle units

The structure of the spindle units 320, 330 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS.

In the present example, the spindle unit 320 is a motor spindle with a drive motor 324, which directly drives a first spindle shaft 322 to rotate about a tool spindle axis B. The tool spindle axis B runs parallel to the shift direction Y.

The first spindle shaft 322 is mounted in the spindle housing 321 of the first spindle unit 320 at three bearing points in spindle bearings 323, 323', 323". The bearing points are located at different axial positions along the first spindle shaft 322. Two of these bearing points are located between the drive motor 324 and the tool-side end of the first spindle unit 320. The corresponding spindle bearings 323, 323' form a fixed/moving bearing or a support bearing, i.e. the spindle bearings can absorb both radial and axial forces at at least one of these bearing points. Another bearing point is located on the side of the drive motor 324 facing away from the tool. The spindle bearing 323" arranged at this bearing point is designed as a floating bearing, i.e. it absorbs radial forces but allows axial movements.

Each of the three bearing points defines a radial bearing plane. The bearing planes each run orthogonally to the tool spindle axis B. In FIG. 4, the bearing plane for that bearing point which is arranged closest to the tool-side end of the first spindle shaft 322 is drawn in as the first bearing plane L1. The corresponding spindle bearing close to the tool is the spindle bearing 323.

In the present example, the second spindle unit 330 is not driven counter spindle. The second spindle unit 330 has a second spindle shaft 332, which is mounted in the spindle housing 331 of the second spindle unit 330 at two bearing points along the spindle shaft in spindle bearings 333, 333'. Depending on the design, these spindle bearings can be designed as fixed bearings or floating bearings. Each of the two bearing points in turn defines a radial bearing plane. In FIG. 4 the bearing plane for that bearing point which is arranged closest to the end of the second spindle shaft 332 on the tool side is drawn in as the second bearing plane L2. The corresponding spindle bearing close to the tool is the spindle bearing 333.

Axial clamping of the tool

In the present example, the tool 340 has a tool holder 341 which carries a dressable grinding body 342 with a helical profile. In the present example, the tool holder 341 is designed as a receiving flange for the grinding wheel according to DIN ISO 666:2013-12. For connection to the spindle shafts 322, 332, the tool holder 341 has a conical holder with face contact at both ends, for example a short conical holder 1:4 according to DIN ISO 702-1:2010-04.

On the tool-side ends of the spindle shafts 322, 332 opposite spindle noses 325, 335 are formed. The shape of the spindle noses 324, 325 is complementary to the shape of the conical receptacles of the tool receptacle 341. They each have a shape that tapers conically toward the tool 340 and a flat contact surface on their respective end face. For example, each spindle nose can be designed as a taper shank 1:4 according to DIN ISO 702-1:2010-04.

Between the tool 340 and the spindle shafts 322, 332 there is a conical connection with a face contact. The cone connections can be of different diameters at the two ends of the tool to ensure that the tool 340 can only be received between the spindle shafts 322, 332 in the correct orientation.

The tool 340 is clamped axially between the spindle shafts 332, 332 with a pull rod 370 and a clamping nut 372. For this purpose, the tool 340 and the second spindle shaft 332 each have a continuous central axial bore. At its tool-side end, the first spindle shaft 322 also has a central axial bore on. This hole is not continuous in this example. It is open on the tool side and an internal thread is formed in the bore. The pull rod 370 is pushed through the central bores of the spindle shaft 332 and the tool 340 . At its end pointing towards the first spindle unit 320 , the pull rod 370 has an external thread which is screwed into the internal thread of the first spindle shaft 322 . At its other end, it also has an external thread. The clamping nut 372 is screwed onto this external thread. By tightening the collet nut 372 , the collet nut 372 exerts axial pressure on the second spindle shaft 332 in the direction of the tool 340 . As a result, the tool 340 is clamped axially between the spindle shafts 332, 332. Overall, this creates a single continuous shaft with high rigidity.

balancing devices

A first balancing unit 350 is arranged on the first spindle shaft 322 in the axial region between the housing 321 of the first spindle unit 320 and the tool 340 . A second balancing unit 360 is arranged on the second spindle shaft 332 axially between the housing 331 of the second spindle unit 330 and the tool 340 . The balancing units 350, 360 surround the respective spindle shaft 322, 332 outside the housing of the respective spindle unit 320, 330. They each have a housing that tapers from the associated spindle unit in the direction of the tool 340. Due to the tapering outer contour of the balancing units 350, 360, the risk of collisions between the balancing devices and a workpiece 510 is reduced.

Each of the balancing units 350, 360 is designed as a ring balancing system. For this purpose, each of the balancing units 350, 360 has a rotor with two balancing rings, which surround the respective spindle shaft and are carried along by it. Each of the balancing units 350, 360 also has a stator. This is connected to the respective spindle housing 321 , 331 . On the one hand, the stator contains sensors for detecting vibrations of the respective spindle housing, the speed of the respective spindle shaft and the angular position of each balancing ring. On the other hand, the stator contains an actuator with a coil arrangement in order to change the angular position of the balancing rings on the respective spindle shaft without contact.

The first balancing unit 350 defines a first balancing plane E1 in which the balancing rings of this balancing unit are arranged. The first balancing plane E1 is orthogonal to Tool spindle axis B. It runs parallel to the first bearing plane L1 and to a radial focal plane of the tool 340. With regard to the tool spindle axis B, the first balancing plane E1 is between the focal plane M and the first bearing plane L1, outside the first spindle housing 321.

Correspondingly, the second balancing unit 360 defines a second balancing plane E2 in which the balancing rings of this balancing unit are arranged. This balancing plane is located between the center of gravity plane M and the second bearing plane L2, outside the second spindle housing 331.

Automatic balancing in two planes

A system for automatic balancing in two planes E1, E2 is illustrated in a highly schematic manner in FIG. Vibration sensors 351, 361 and actuators 352, 362 of the two balancing units 350, 360 interact with a control device 730. The control device 730 can be integrated into the machine control 700 or can be designed separately. With the help of control device 730, the angular positions of the balancing rings of both balancing units 350, 360 are automatically calculated and adjusted in such a way that the resulting correction imbalances 353, 363 compensate for the static and dynamic imbalance of the system consisting of tool 340 and the spindle shafts 322, 332 clamped with it and accordingly, vibrations of the spindle housings 321, 331 are minimized. In this way, the system is balanced in the two balancing planes E1, E2.

Ring balancing systems with a control device for automatic two-level balancing are known per se and are commercially available from various suppliers. An example is the electromagnetic ring balancing system AB 9000 from Hofmann Mess- und Auswuchttechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Pfungstadt, Germany.

Common spindle housing

6 illustrates a tool head 300' according to a second embodiment. Components that are the same or have the same effect as in the first and second embodiment are provided with the same reference symbols as in FIGS.

The tool head 300 'of the second embodiment differs from Tool head 300 of the first embodiment in that the two spindle units 320, 330 are accommodated in a common spindle housing 380. This is guided with guide shoes 386 on the linear guide 311 along the Y shift direction.

To change the tool, the second spindle unit 330 is pulled back axially with respect to the spindle housing 380 . For this purpose, the spindle bearings 333 of the second spindle unit are held in a bearing mount 391 . In the present example, the bearing mount 391 is a bearing bush, which can be designed, for example, as a slide bush or ball roller bush. The bearing mount 391 is guided in the spindle housing 380 in an axially displaceable manner.

The rotor 361 of the second balancing unit 360 can be displaced axially relative to the stator 362 of this balancing unit. The outer diameter of the rotor 361 is smaller than the inner diameter of that area of the spindle housing 380 in which the bearing mount 391 is guided. When the second spindle unit 330 is pulled back axially from the spindle housing 380 , it takes the rotor 361 of the second balancing unit 360 with it in the axial direction so that it is pulled back into the spindle housing 380 together with the second spindle unit 330 . In contrast, the stator 362 of the second balancing unit 360 is fixed to the spindle housing 380 and remains immovable when the second spindle unit 330 is retracted.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable to arrange the second balancing unit 360 in such a way that the entire second balancing unit 360, i.e. both the rotor 361 and the stator 362, can be withdrawn together with the second spindle unit 330 in order to change the tool.

Two-way drive

A tool head 300" according to a third embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Components that are the same or have the same effect as in the first and second embodiments are provided with the same reference symbols as in FIGS.

The tool head 300" of the third embodiment differs from the tool head 300 of the first embodiment in that the second spindle unit 330 is also designed as a motor spindle with a second drive motor 334. The second drive motor 334 is preferably dimensioned smaller than the first drive motor 324, so that he generates less than half of the total torque on the tool 340, eg between 35% and 45% of the total torque. This asymmetrical distribution of the generation of torque between the two drive motors 324, 334 avoids disruptive resonances.

clamping nut

In FIGS. 9 and 10, a clamping nut 372 is illustrated by way of example, as can be used in the embodiments described above.

The collet nut 372 has a base member 373 that defines a central bore with an internal thread for threading the base member 373 onto a drawbar with a corresponding external thread. At one end, the base element 373 is designed on the outside in the manner of a hexagon nut. A support ring 374 is attached to the base element 373 . This rests against a collar of the base element 373 in such a way that it is prevented from moving axially in one direction (to the left in FIG. 9). An annular axial pressure element 375 is also guided in an axially displaceable manner on the base element 373 . A plurality of actuators 376 in the form of jackscrews are threaded into the thrust member 375 and are axially supported on the support ring 374 such that they are restricted from axial movement along one direction (to the left in Figure 9). By unscrewing the thrust screws from the thrust member 375, the thrust member 375 is advanced relative to the base member 373 along the direction opposite to the supporting direction (to the right in Fig. 9).

In order to clamp a tool 340 between the two spindle shafts 322, 332, the axial pressure element 375 is first moved all the way back in relation to the base element 373 by screwing the pressure screws into the axial pressure element 375 as far as possible. The clamping nut 372 is now screwed onto the pull rod 370 and set against the second spindle shaft 332 with the aid of the external hexagon on the base element 373 . This is done with a relatively low torque. The ring-shaped axial pressure element 375 is then advanced in a controlled manner in the direction of the second spindle shaft 332 with the aid of the pressure screws until the desired clamping force acts on the tool 340 . The axial pressure element 375 bears against the second spindle shaft 332 with an annular bearing surface. Of course, other constructions of a clamping nut can also be used, as are known per se from the prior art. The power transmission can take place, for example, in a different way than shown. In particular, a hydraulic clamping nut can be used.

Instead of a clamping nut with an internal thread, a clamping element can also be used that can be connected to the pull rod in a way other than via a screw connection, e.g. via a bayonet or via a clamping bush.

More variations

The interface between the spindle shafts 322, 332 and the tool 340 can also be configured differently than in the embodiments described above. In particular, a different type of conical connection can be used. Any known cone connections can be used, e.g. the versions A, BF, BM, CF or CM specified in DIN ISO 666:2013-12. For details, refer to DIN ISO 666:2013-12 and the other standards DIN EN ISO 1119:2012-04, DIN ISO 702-1:2010-04, ISO 12164-1:2001-12 and ISO 12164- 2:2001-12.

In all embodiments, the pull rod 370 may extend through the first spindle shaft 322 instead of through the second spindle shaft 332 and be connected at its end to the second spindle shaft 332 . The clamping element then exerts a corresponding axial force on the first spindle shaft in the direction of the second spindle shaft.

In order to clamp tool 340 axially between the first spindle shaft 322 and the second spindle shaft 332, instead of a central tie rod or in addition to it, two or more tie rods can be used, which run parallel to one another and at a radial distance from the tool spindle axis B and are in different angular positions relative to the Tool spindle axis B are arranged.

The tool can also be fixed between the first spindle shaft and the second spindle shaft in a way other than with a continuous pull rod, for example with ones arranged inside the respective spindle shaft clamping systems. For this purpose, the connection between the tool and the spindle shafts can be made, for example, via a hollow shank cone according to ISO 12164-1:2001-12 and ISO 12164-2:2001-12.

The tool can be designed differently than in the embodiments explained above. In particular, the tool can be designed in one piece. For example, the tool can be a non-dressable CBN grinding worm whose CBN coating is applied directly to a tool body. The interfaces to the spindle noses 325, 335 are then formed directly on the tool body instead of on a separate tool carrier. The tool does not necessarily have to be a grinding worm. For example, it can also be a profile grinding wheel, a combination of two or more profile grinding wheels or a combination of one or more grinding worms and one or more profile grinding wheels.

In the embodiments described above, the spindle bearings 323 are roller bearings. Alternatively, other types of spindle bearings may be used, such as hydrostatic, hydrodynamic, or aerodynamic bearings, as is well known in the art.

In the embodiments described above, direct drives are used as drive motors. Instead, it is also conceivable to use geared motors.

While ring balancing systems are preferably used as balancing devices, other types of balancing devices are also conceivable, for example hydraulic balancing systems, as are known per se from the prior art. In such balancing systems, balancing is performed by injecting a liquid into balancing chambers that are distributed in the circumferential direction. REFERENCE LIST

machine bed

tool carrier

Z slide

Swivel body, 300', 300" tool head

Base

linear guide

Ball screw first spindle unit first spindle housing first spindle shaft 323′, 323″ first spindle bearing first drive motor first spindle nose

Guide shoe, second spindle unit, second spindle housing, second spindle shaft, 333', second spindle bearing, second drive motor, second spindle nose

guide shoe

Tool

tool holder

Grinding wheel first balancing unit

vibration sensor

Actor second balancing unit

vibration sensor

actuator

pull bar

clamping nut

base element 374 support ring

375 thrust element

376 actuator

380 common spindle housing

386 guide shoe

387 bearing mount

400 turret

500 workpiece spindle

510 workpiece

700 machine control

710 control module

720 control panel

730 controller

X, Y, Z linear axis

A pivot axis

B tool axis

C1 , C2 workpiece axis

C3 Pivoting axis of the turret

E1, E2 balancing plane

L1, L2 storage level

Claims

25 CLAIMS

1. Tool head (300) for a machine tool, in particular for a gear cutting machine, comprising: a first spindle unit (320) with a first spindle shaft (322) which is rotatably mounted about a tool spindle axis (B) in the first spindle unit (320); a first balancer (350) associated with the first spindle assembly (320); a second spindle unit (330) with a second spindle shaft (332) which is rotatably mounted in the second spindle unit (330) about the tool spindle axis (B); and a second balancing device (360) which is assigned to the second spindle unit (330), the first spindle unit (320) and the second spindle unit (330) being arranged coaxially with one another in such a way that a tool (340) is positioned axially between the first spindle shaft ( 322) and the second spindle shaft (332), characterized in that the first balancing device (350) radially surrounds the first spindle shaft (322) and axially between a tool-side spindle bearing (323) of the first spindle unit (320) and a tool-side end of the first spindle shaft (322) and/or that the second balancing device (350) radially surrounds the second spindle shaft (332) and axially between a tool-side spindle bearing (333) of the second spindle unit (330) and a tool-side end of the second spindle shaft (332 ) is arranged.

2. Tool head (300) according to claim 1, wherein the tool (340) can be clamped between the first spindle shaft (322) and the second spindle shaft (332) in such a way that between the first spindle shaft (322) and the second spindle shaft (332) there is a axial compressive force acts on the tool (340).

3. Tool head (300) according to claim 2, wherein the second spindle shaft (332) has at least one axial bore, wherein the tool head (300) has at least one pull rod (370) which extends through the axial bore of the second spindle shaft (332). extends, wherein the pull rod (370) is connectable at a first end to the first spindle shaft (322), and wherein the pull rod (370) is connectable at a second end to the second spindle shaft (332) such that between the first spindle shaft ( 322) and the second spindle shaft (332) an axial compressive force can be generated on the tool (340).

4. Tool head according to claim 3, wherein the tool head (300) has a clamping element (372) which can be connected to the pull rod (370) at its second end and is designed to move the second spindle shaft (332) axially in the direction of the first spindle shaft (322) to press.

5. Tool head according to claim 4, wherein the clamping element comprises: a base element (373) which is rigidly connectable to the drawbar (370); a thrust member (375) axially movable toward said second screw shaft (332) relative to said base member (373) to axially urge said second screw shaft (332) towards said first screw shaft (322); and at least one actuator (376), the actuator (376) being movable relative to the base member (373) to axially move the thrust member (375) relative to the base member (373).

6. Tool head (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first spindle lug (325) is formed on the tool-side end of the first spindle shaft (322) in such a way that an axial compressive force exerts a non-positive and/or positive connection on the first spindle lug (325). connection to the tool (340) can be made, in particular a conical connection, preferably a conical connection with face contact, and wherein a second spindle nose (335) is formed on the tool-side end of the second spindle shaft (332) in such a way that the second spindle nose (335) can be attached by a axial compressive force, a force-fitting and/or form-fitting connection to the tool (340) can be produced, in particular a conical connection, preferably a conical connection with face contact.

7. Tool head (300) according to claim 6, wherein the first spindle nose (325) and the second spindle nose (335) are designed so differently that the tool (340) can only be accommodated in a predetermined position between the spindle noses (325, 335). .

8. Tool head (300) according to claim one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool-side first spindle bearing (323) defines a first bearing plane (L1) perpendicular to the tool spindle axis (B), the second spindle bearing (333) on the tool side defining a second bearing plane (L2) perpendicular to the tool spindle axis (B), the first balancing device (350) defining a first balancing plane (E1) perpendicular to the tool spindle axis (B), the second balancing device (360) defines a second balancing plane (E2) perpendicular to the tool spindle axis (B), and wherein the first balancing plane (E1) is between the first bearing plane (L1) and the second balancing plane (E2) and/or the second balancing plane (E2) is between the second bearing plane ( L2) and the first balancing level (E1) is arranged.

9. Tool head (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second balancing device (350, 360) is designed as a ring balancing system.

10. Tool head (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second balancing device (350, 360) has at least one actuator (352, 362) in order to correct a correction imbalance (353, 363) of the relevant balancing device (350, 360 ) to be adjusted under NC control.

11 . Tool head (300) according to one of the preceding claims, having at least one vibration sensor (351, 361) for detecting vibrations caused by an imbalance in the tool head (300), wherein the tool head (300) is assigned a control device (730), which is designed to detect signals from the at least one vibration sensor (351, 361) and to activate actuators (352, 362) in the first and second balancing device (350, 360) in order to activate the first and second balancing device (350, 360) in To adjust depending on the detected signals, such that the imbalance is reduced, wherein the control device (730) is preferably designed to perform an automatic two-level balancing.

12. Tool head (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first spindle unit (320) has a first housing (321) and the second spindle unit (330) has a second housing (331), and wherein the first and/or second balancing device (350, 360) outside the first and second housing (321, 331), or wherein the first and second spindle units (320, 330) have a common spindle housing (380), and wherein the first and/or second balancing device 28

(350, 360) is arranged outside of the common spindle housing (380).

13. Tool head (300) according to claim 12, wherein the first and/or second balancing device (350, 360) has an outer contour which tapers in the direction of the tool (340).

14. Tool head (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first spindle unit (320) has a first drive motor (324) which is designed to drive the first spindle shaft (322) to rotate about the tool spindle axis (B), and /or wherein the second spindle unit (330) has a second drive motor (334) which is designed to drive the second spindle shaft (332) to rotate about the tool spindle axis (B).

15. Tool head (300) according to one of the preceding claims, also having a tool (340), in particular a grinding tool, preferably a grinding tool for grinding gears, which is clamped axially between the first spindle shaft (322) and the second spindle shaft (332) in such a way that that an axial compressive force acts on the tool (340) between the first spindle shaft (322) and the second spindle shaft (332).

16. Tool head (300) for a machine tool, in particular for a gear cutting machine, comprising: a first spindle unit (320) with a first spindle shaft (322) which is rotatably mounted in the first spindle unit (320) about a tool spindle axis (B); and a second spindle unit (330) having a second spindle shaft (332) rotatably supported in the second spindle unit (330) about the tool spindle axis (B), the first spindle unit (320) and the second spindle unit (330) being so arranged that a tool (340) can be received axially between the first spindle shaft (322) and the second spindle shaft (332), characterized in that the second spindle shaft (332) has at least one axial bore, that the tool head (300) has at least one pull rod (370) extending through the axial bore of the second spindle shaft (332), the tie rod (370) being connectable at a first end to the first spindle shaft (322), and 29 that the pull rod (370) can be connected at a second end to the second spindle shaft (332) in such a way that an axial compressive force can be generated on the tool (340) between the first spindle shaft (322) and the second spindle shaft (332).

17. Tool head according to claim 16, wherein the tool head (300) has a clamping element (372) which can be connected to the pull rod (370) at its second end and is designed to move the second spindle shaft (332) axially in the direction of the first spindle shaft (322), and wherein the clamping member comprises: a base member (373) rigidly connectable to the tie rod (370); a thrust member (375) axially movable toward said second screw shaft (332) relative to said base member (373) to axially urge said second screw shaft (332) towards said first screw shaft (322); and at least one actuator (376), the actuator (376) being movable relative to the base member (373) to axially move the thrust member (375) relative to the base member (373).

18. Machine tool, comprising: a tool head (300) according to any one of the preceding claims; and at least one workpiece spindle (500) for driving a workpiece (510) to rotate about a workpiece axis (C1), the machine tool preferably being a gear cutting machine, in particular a gear grinding machine.